Cemtech Americas 2015 Conference & Exhibition was successfully held at the Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Florida, USA, on 7-10 December 2015.
Organised by International Cement Review, the three-day event proved to be an engaging and informative event with extensive coverage of both cement market developments and production expertise.
Providing an overview of the host market of Florida, the keynote address was delivered by Cary Cohrs, president of American Cement and former PCA chairman (USA). Following on, essential insights were provided into cement sector activity in the US (Rob Roy, ROI Consulting) and Canada (Michael McSweeney, President and CEO, Cement Association of Canada) while Scott Hazelton of IHS Economics (USA) concentrated on the outlook on for construction activity in the Americas with a specific focus on the North/South divide. Profiles on Latin American markets were given due attention by Francisco Suarez of Scotiabank (Mexico), while details of one of the region’s most important capex projects – the newly-completed integrated Piura works in Peru – were delivered by Juan Teevin of Cementos Pacasmayo.
Key aspects of sustainable cement manufacturing (including alternative fuels (AF), emissions control and important US regulatory developments) featured prominently on this year's speaker programme. Discussions ranged from the evolution of AF production in the US (Edward Morton, Evolution Environmental) to a strategic approach to AF utilisation (John Kline, Kline Consulting). From a producer perspective, Luiz Germano of Votorantim Cimentos brought delegates up to speed on the Brazilian cement market leader's approaches to CO2 reduction.
In terms of increased regulatory responsibilities and adapting plant operations, latest perspectives on the US environmental regulatory front were discussed by Carrie Yonley, Schreiber & Yonley Associates, while specific focus was given to Florida mercury control options by Al Linero (Koogler & Associates) and Josh Snead of King & Spalding explored the implications for the North American cement industry of regulatory developments in California.
Cemtech's wide-ranging technical content also explored equipment advances at key stages of the production process, including a review of current and future grinding technologies and techniques (Kline Consulting) and the benefits of mini-modular mills (Gebr Pfeiffer Inc). Operational efficiency and strict energy management was brought into focus with insights into energy performance best practice at Union Bridge by Jeff Hook of Lehigh Cement (USA).
Discussion continued across the production chain and encompassed talks on enhanced plant profitability with chemical additives (SIKA), breakthroughs in cooler technology (DAL Engineering Group/FONS Technology International), bulk storage solutions (SSI Consulting) and packaging innovations (BPI Visqueen, Concetti Group).
The conference was accompanied by an international equipment exhibition featuring leading industry suppliers (see below), plus an extended programme allowed participants to visit to American Cement's Sumterville plant, a world-class cement facility in central Florida. Networking opportunities were further supported by evening receptions, lunches and Gala Dinner, all set against the backdrop of the outstanding Ritz-Carlton Orlando.
For the full Cemtech Americas 2015 conference report, click here. Photo highlights of the event are also available to download.
For future Cemtech meetings, please check our Diary Dates page.
Cemtech Americas 2015 Exhibitors:
